You Think I Won't Talk?-Chapter 496

"... Your Highness." — Then the Knight said before the Crown Prince’s strides took him away and out of sight. — "Is the Ninth, my master, alright?"

"... She is."

"..." — Bowing in appreciation the knight went back to stand tall in his guard of the entrance. Provoking in the prince a sense of kindness he had not felt before for others. Knowing that Vitor’s aura appeared unsettled, aware that guilt had been growing within him after many incidents fell on the knight’s master without him being able to aid her.

The steps he had given and were stopped by his call, remained paused to the sensation... knowing the source of this sentiment was born from the bliss of this day... one where his love could be told so officially his beloved could be courted by his hand.

"Your Master is alright." — Zeleskiaz repeated giving a step back to look the knight in the eye. — "You’ll get to talk to her soon enough. Your watch, I appreciate it Vitor. And she also does."

"... Yes, your Highness... thank you."

As if nothing else needed to be told, Zeleskiaz bowed not solely to the knight but to the perky maid to his side, resuming his path towards the Emperor’s stances... hoping the whereabouts of the Duke were as informed for if the case was such... 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝚠𝕖𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝕖𝚕.𝚌𝗼𝗺

’I can tell both about it... The Emperor for once might be of aid while I tell it to her Father...’ — The prince thought, hopeful and jittery. Nervous as he knew asking permission from a father such as the Duke of Sylfinner would be a challenge he never thought to encounter before knowing the feelings his daughter ignited.

Ways to say it commenced to drown his mind while crossing the corridors of the Palace as if the practice from the night before had not happened. Searching for those polite words no one would deem insulting, hoping that, unlike many of their exchanges, this one could grant the opposition to lessen as honesty was all he wanted to give in this request to become Marianne’s suitor.

’I need to "convey" myself properly as my Lady said... being sincere won’t do... The Duke... I need to be honest and respectful if I want no trouble to fall in our compromise...’ — The Crown Prince thought, feeling as though the task was taking his forces from him, for never had he encountered a situation where his words needed to be careful with one that wasn’t his beloved.

"... Your Highness?"

"What."

"Ah, excuse myself, yet do you wish for us to announce your arrival? His Highness has been standing at the doors of the Emperor without an order to be told..."

"... Is the Emperor with someone inside?"

"???" — Amazed that he asked although, with the strength of his aura, he would be able to tell, the guards looked at each other, curious and ignorant that his inquiry was so no mistake would stain his purpose... for he knew that if his aura was used measly for a speck of a second, that one he sought could be alerted and place an unnecessary defence to a peaceful visit. — "Uh... er... His Majesty is currently with His Grace, Duke Sylfinnier..."

"Announce me."

"?? Ah-uh, Y-Yes. Right away, Your Highness!" — Confusing those that threaded carefully, his decision came without hesitation, controlling his senses so no unsightly behaviour would harm the occasion... walking into the stances after his name was announced to the men talking inside.

"Pardon the sudden intrusion." — Zeleskiaz said as he approached those who watched him pace to their presence, lifting curiosity in both of them, more so after an apology he would usually not give was told respectfully in a reverence as the distance was closed.

"... Are you sick, Crown Prince?" — His own Father asked as soon as the silence settled and the glance of an old friend shared the wonder. — "You say ’pardon the intrusion’??? We didn’t feel your presence at all... Gasp!? Don’t tell me you became mad again and did something without me noticing?!"

"! That could be it!" — Orland said to His friend’s suppositions, snapping his fingers as if understanding the oddity.

"... Fear not, Your Majesty, Your Grace. I am not sick nor have I done anything you are in need to worry about."

"... truly?"

"Yes, do believe me, please."

’... Something’s up.’ — Francois said with a glance to the friend across him. Feeling nervous as the reassurance the prince could give would only stress him further.

’Something’s certainly going on.’ — Orland agreed with a nod, scowling at the respectful stance the crown prince maintained, unlike his usual self. Inviting the Duke to be the one to talk given the confidence the Prince attempted to provide his audience. — "Then what is the matter, your Highness? I remember I left you in the company of my daughter this morning, how come you are here this soon?"

"Yes. I recently departed from the Lady to come meet you."

"... For now, lift your head. We were discussing some important matters with the Duke and Crown Prince. Your visit is welcomed yet do tell us it is not meaningless." — The Emperor added, hoping to instil some pressure as the son appeared to have reasons behind his overly polite behaviour and also wishing to enjoy the seek of the information. — "If not I may ask you to come at a later time, for there are important matters we have at hand."

"It is certainly not meaningless." — Controlling his dislike, Zeleskiaz said with a calm demeanour, acting humble as the wish to do right lived within him stronger than his dangerous character. — "If I am allowed, I have an important matter to address to you... Father and Your Grace, Duke Sylfinnier. Therefore, please spare a moment of your time to listen to my words this fair morning."

"....."

Silent settled in those present, aghast at the gentle manners of the prince they had yet to ever witness and the stillness then suddenly collapsed, for that one father of the man before them gasped, acting up with overreaction.